The `Agriculture Coalition` is a partnership between Oxfam in Tanzania, ANSAF TGNP – Mtandao, Action Aid Tanzania and Policy Forum. It is an initiative that seeks to further the strengths of the said organizations in engaging, analyzing and advocating on issues around the national budget processes in Tanzania; specifically working on agriculture budget analysis, improving budget allocation and disbursement processes and its impact on to rural inhabitants.
Tanzania has a population of 48.8 million, according to 2015 figures, and a per capita GDP of about 864.8 dollars.[1] The economy has been growing at an average rate of 6.5% for more than a decade.[2] Agriculture sector contributes 29% of the GDP and it has been growing at an average rate of 4% a year. The sector employs over 65% of the work force. Majority of them live in rural areas and includes a sizable number of women.
The Government of Tanzania (GoT) is a signatory to the Maputo Protocol and its subsequent Malabo Declaration. These two mechanisms set a requirement on signatories to enhance investment finance in agriculture by allocating at least 10% of public expenditure to agriculture and ensure its efficiency and effectiveness[1] .This commitment has been a key rallying point for activists and stakeholders in terms of applying pressure on the Government to be responsive to the demands for improved investment in agriculture. However, the objectives of Declaration, for the case of Tanzania, are yet to be met.
The trend analysis of allocations in agriculture shows a huge variation. However, even years that saw significant increment did not hit the 10% target. The current average trend is a contribution of between 6.5% – 6.8% being allocated to agriculture annually.[2] The analysis also shows that the previous budget allocated to agriculture, recurrent expenditure remains higher than development expenditure. Development expenditure in agriculture is, generally, heavily dependent on donor funding and consistently focused on capital expenditure with a smaller portion going towards loans and small scale food producers.
The picture for small scale food producers remains quite bleak. Productivity in the agricultural sector is amongst the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. Small scale food production as an occupation is not respected or seen as desirable and the value to society brought by farmers is little recognized. Women struggle to gain fair access to markets, lack proper training and adequate tools and face threats of violence. The agricultural sector is also subjected to export taxes, export bans and high local taxation, with depreciating and nonexistent transport, processing plants and storage infrastructure which continues to impede market integration.
Objectives
The main goal for conducting the three year, gendered agriculture budget comparative research is to generate evidence that will make it possible to assess and identify gaps in the 3 important budget cycle components i.e. allocation, disbursement and implementation. The analysis will strengthen the sensitization work of coalition partners especially in vouching for the importance of the agriculture budget to the livelihoods of the majority in Tanzania and specifically women small scale food producers. The study will provide necessary evidence for promoting gender equity of benefits from the allocations and expenditures within the agriculture sector budget.
Specific objectives
- To gather evidence that can bring about change to policies and budgets that promote gender equality and seeks to empower a broader and more inclusive set of actors to transform budgetary structures and processes;
- To inform the national debate about policy and the appropriate allocation of public resources;
- To ensure that the policies and programmes of ministries and local government take into consideration the specific constraints, options, incentives and needs (COINs) of women and girls, men and boys; to ensure that resources are allocated accordingly;
- To raise awareness of the gendered impact of polices and corresponding budget allocations
Methodology
This is a mixed method study, which will rely mainly on documentary review. It requires that the consultant uses a gender/ed budgeting framework during the analysis of the budgets and performances over the years.
The use of gender/ed budgeting framework is recommended based on the fact that budget allocation and expenditure has a different impact on women and girls as compared to men and boys due to their different location in the family and in the economy. Agriculture is a sector where gender gaps are of critical concern as it is a sector dominated by women as producers. It is important to see how women are being supported by the agriculture national budget. it is a matter of deep concern for not only women and men in agriculture but also for economy in so far as its growth and productivity aid the development of other sectors.
Key informant interviews with leading women rights organizations, for instance, can be undertaken, to address information gaps and gather firsthand accounts.
Expected Results
The following materials are required as the result of the work;
- Draft report for review.
- A fully referenced final report (bibliography, footnotes etc)
- A fully referenced research brief (not more than 4 pages long), summarizing main findings from the research.
- Annexes i.e. list of interviews where applicable, consent forms, in case of interviews.
- Other materials arising from the research process i.e. audio recordings, photos etc.
Experience and Qualifications
The consultant is expected to have the following qualifications;
- Recognized expertise and experience in Gender Budgeting, Economics, Finance, Gender, Public Policy, or any other related field.
- A person who is expert in budget review analysis and budget trucking & in gender budgeting and analysis.
- Experience in Joint Budget and Aid Review in Tanzania.
- Knowledge of the Tanzanian national policy making and budgeting processes.
- Excellent language skills i.e. Fluency in English and Swahili.
To Apply
If you believe you qualify for the above post, please submit your application including CV detailing your experience for the post and a copy of consultancy work done recently. Send your application to Nuria Mshare ([email protected]), You are advised to use quote reference number INT3154 and job title above in the subject. The closing date for applications is 25th January 2017.
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